As individuals
begin making candles there is a series of basic questions and decisions
that are made. They include (but are not limited to) what types of candles
to make, which wax to use, fragrance selection and where to make the candles.
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of candle making is the actual
"process" of making candles. While all of these decisions are
made with the intent of producing consistent and quality candles, the
process of making candles is often as important as any other aspect.

When people
talk about real estate, the phrase "location, location and location"
certainly is a reoccurring theme. In candle making the key phrase has
to be "temperature, temperature and temperature." This refers
to the temperature at which you pour the wax, the room temperature and
the temperature of the mold and or container you are pouring the wax into.

The pouring
temperatures for each of the waxes you may use are best determined by
following the manufacturer's recommendations. No matter what type of candles
you are making, paraffin, gel and/or natural waxes, the pouring temperature
is very important. When using quality waxes, pouring hotter can produce
better results, but this should only be done when first trying the manufacturer's
recommended pouring temperatures. In some instances such as with the J-50,
J-223
and the natural
waxes, it is advisable to pour at lower temperatures to produce the
best results.

While candles
can be poured in most rooms year round, it is best to try to control the
room temperature as much as possible. Rooms that are warm and humid require
different pouring temperatures than rooms that are cold and damp. The
only way to determine which is acceptable for your room is to pour several
candles and analyze the results. It is not unusual to experience different
results in your candles as the temperatures in the room change throughout
the year. In many instances when the temperature begins to get cool it
may be necessary to pour a little hotter than you would during the summer
months. The more you can control the year-round temperature in the room,
the easier it will be to get consistent results.

The preheating
of the container or mold is directly related to both your pouring temperature
and the room temperature. For best results consistently it is advisable
to preheat the container or mold to take away any moisture or "chill"
that may exist. If you are pouring hotter, you may be able to reduce the
amount of preheating required. Some companies have developed procedures
where they merely pour hotter and reduce the preheating required. The
preheating of these molds or containers should be done with a dry heat
(heat lamp or heat gun) and not by hot water. The hot water will actually
introduce moisture and have a reverse effect, which can cause air pockets
to develop.

In addition
to temperatures, it is also important to develop consistent procedures
for measuring the various items being placed into your formulation. Wherever
possible it is advisable to measure all of your additives, scents and
color by weight and not necessarily by teaspoons or tablespoons. Certain
additives such as vybar are very effective, but being off of the formulation
just a little can change the results of the finished candles.

If
you are looking for consistent "looks" in your pillars, it is
important to try to use the same type of mold in as many instances as
possible. The type of mold, aluminum,
tin
and or polycarbonate
can produce different finishes on your candles.

One nice
thing about candle making is that there really is no wrong or right way
to make candles if the end result is a safe burning and desirable looking
candle. However, the key to make consistent candles is to try to develop
consistent procedures taking into account many of the points identified
in this article. Many candle companies have developed their most popular
candles by mistake or experimenting.